Durham Students Commit Early to Health Care Careers at Duke

Durham Early College of Health Sciences offers free college credentials and direct workforce pathways

Girl signing her name on a table
Autumn Reynolds was one of more than 100 8th graders to sign their commitment to attend the Durham Early College of Health Sciences during a ceremony at Duke University Hospital on April 20, 2026.

Autumn Reynolds confidently crossed the stage in front of a crowd of hundreds at Duke’s Trent Semans Great Hall, pausing to shake hands and take a photo with the superintendent of Durham Public Schools before picking up a permanent marker to sign her commitment to a career in health care.

She’s only in eighth grade.

“I’ve always seen whatever’s in front of me — just take it,” Reynolds said. “Your future is really about what you want to do. You control it. I think this will be a great opportunity for me to actually try and find the things I want to do and go for it!”

Reynolds is one of 101 students in Durham County who have accepted a spot in the incoming freshman class at the Durham Early College of Health Sciences (DECHS).  The school is an innovative partnership among  Durham Public Schools, Durham Tech, and Duke Health, supported by a $29.5 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies. 

Students at DECHS will graduate with their high school diploma while earning an associate degree or workforce credentials — at no cost. They’ll have direct pathways into jobs in patient care or clinical research at Duke Health upon graduation, exemplifying Duke’s HomeGrown commitment to creating better jobs and making it easier for families to stay in the community they call home.

Dr. Geeta Swamy of Duke School of Medicine shakes the hand of an 8th grader before she signed her commitment to attend the Durham Early College of Health Sciences.

“Together, we made a decision that the future of healthcare should be built with intention and that talent exists in every community when opportunity meets it,” said Thomas Owens, M.D., Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Duke University Health System, speaking to a standing room-only crowd at the Signing Day celebration on April 20 for the incoming class. 

Signing Day has become an annual tradition welcoming the incoming class with a celebration similar to events held for high school athletes when they sign a commitment to play college sports. Rising ninth graders sign their name on a large wooden board carved with the school’s logo and lift a DECHS hat onto their heads as their parents take pictures to capture the moment.

Speakers, including DECHS principal Joshua Brown, Durham Tech President J.B. Buxton, Duke University School of Medicine Executive Vice Dean for Clinical Sciences and Research Administration Dr. Geeta Swamy, and Durham Public Schools Superintendent Anthony Lewis, recognized the community that will support these students on this journey.

“You have an entire team who is cheering you on including your families, your new teachers, and all of us at DPS, Durham Tech, and Duke Health, and the entire community,” Lewis said. “Because you are shaping the future of Durham and the world.”

”You are making a commitment to make this community better.”

Robert Turner, Associate Professor of Population Health Sciences

That message was echoed by keynote speaker, Robert Turner. Turner is a former NFL player who is now an associate professor of population health sciences at Duke University School of Medicine and a national leader in advancing Black men’s participation in brain health research. His work focuses on Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and the long-term effects of repetitive head injuries.

Two girls holding Durham hats, surrounded by balloons
Two 8th graders pose after signing their commitment to attend the Durham Early College of Health Sciences.

Turner told the students he wished a school like DECHS was available when he was their age, honoring them for their dedication.

“You are making a commitment to make this community better,” Turner said.

The incoming students will join the school’s inaugural class of 88 students on campus this fall.

“I’m looking to learn and build my career,” said John Monk as he waited for his name to be called to step on stage and sign his commitment to attend. “I just want to help people.”

Avery Simmons is interested in pursuing a career in surgery or nursing.  She’s looking forward to the school’s Medical Exploration Days, which provide hands-on experience in everything from taking patient vitals to CPR training.

“I think it will give me really good opportunities, because it has so many chances to partner with Duke and work hands-on,” Simmons said.

Hands came together in roaring applause as each student’s name was announced.  When the final student placed their signature on the board, the crowd cheered and jumped to a standing ovation, led by school staff and Reynolds’ mother in the front of the auditorium.

“I’m inspired by my family,” Reynolds explained of her decision to pursue a health care career. “I have a grandmother and a few other people who are nurses, and I always wanted to experience it and see what it’s really about. I’m very excited!”